Army peace, development efforts lauded

With a new commanding general installed, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he expects the Philippine Army (PA) to continue being the reliable force in maintaining peace and providing an atmosphere for sustainable development in the country.

Lorenzana related his message during the change-of-command ceremony held Tuesday at the Ricarte Hall of the Philippine Army Officers’ Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio as he witnessed the installation of Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. as the PA’s 63rd chief.

Faustino takes over from Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana who was appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier this month.

His designation as the new commanding general, Lorenzana said, comes at an opportune time that the PA is carrying the added responsibility of helping carry out the national government’s initiatives against the coronavirus disease pandemic while still performing its conventional roles in fighting insurgency and terrorism while leading humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations “as well as support to law enforcement functions.”

“Your leadership is crucial in ensuring that the organization is responsive not only to the multifaceted challenges it is currently facing but also proactive to address emerging threats as well,” stated the Defense chief.

“Amid these challenges you must be an epitome of well-proportioned strength and compassion to serve as an inspiration to our troops. This is a tall order indeed as we wish you all the best and pray for your success,” he added.

In response, Faustino vowed to display leadership that “hinges on transparency and accountability, which instill confidence in the organization’s support of the administration’s actions to get us through these challenges.”

“Let us stand tall in this dark hour. Empathy and genuine concern shall be the hallmarks that accompany every soldier’s discharge of duty,” Faustino expressed.